Do young people get shin splints?

At Children’s, our patients with shin splints are usually teenagers or post-adolescents, since this is the age group that’s most likely to run and train competitively. Shin splints and other overuse injuries are sports-related microtraumas (small injuries) that result from repetitively using the same parts of the body.

Which athlete is more prone to shin splints?

Track and field athletes, particularly sprinters and jumpers, are at high risk. Vigorous dancers and military cadets (who are often training with running or marching drills) are vulnerable as well. Flat feet (“pes planus”) or very rigid arches of the foot may also increase the risk of shin splints in athletes.

Do athletes get shin splints?

Shin splints are a common overuse injury. This injury happens when the muscles and bones in the lower leg pull and become irritated. Athletes (especially runners), members of the military and people with osteoporosis are at a higher chance of developing shin splints.

Are shin splints normal for new runners?

While runners of every level can get shin splints, it’s more common among newer runners who may start out their training too quickly, making shin soreness an overuse injury. Women are also two to three times more likely to get shin splints.

Why do teenagers get shin splints?

Shin splints can result from a variety of factors such as: overtraining, inadequate rest, muscle imbalances, poor nutrition, improper running form, flat feet, change in training routine and even incorrect shoes.

What percentage of athletes get shin splints?

Shin splints account for about 10 to 15 percent of all running injuries. It has also been found that up to 60 percent of all conditions that cause leg pain in athletes have been contributed to shin splints. There are many factors that can contribute to shin splints.

How do new runners avoid shin splints?

How runners can avoid shin splints

  1. Wear shoes with good arch and heel support.
  2. Use shock-absorbing insoles.
  3. Avoid working out on hard or uneven surfaces.
  4. Stretch properly before exercising.
  5. Practice strength training, especially toe exercises that build calf muscles.
  6. Strengthen all muscle groups around shin area.

How can teens prevent shin splints?

To help prevent shin splints from coming back: Wear shock-absorbing athletic shoes with arch support. Replace athletic shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out. Increase any exercise routine slowly.

Can a growth spurt cause shin splints?

What Causes Osgood-Schlatter Disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease happens during the growth spurt of puberty. During a child’s growth spurt, the bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates. In OSD, the tendon that connects the shinbone to the kneecap pulls on the growth plate at the top of the shinbone.